Jailer Dispatcher

Houston County is seeking qualified candidates for the full-time position of Jailer/Dispatcher. Applicants must be available for all shifts including, but not limited to, nights, weekends, holidays.  

*Detention staff must be 21 years old or older at the time of employment.  (Persons older than 18, but younger than 21 years old may be employed if they are enrolled in, or have completed, course work in a post-secondary education program to pursue a degree in a behavioral science.) 

Current wage range is $23.19 - $30.51 per hour, plus benefits.  Please see the application instructions at the bottom of this announcement.   

Position Purpose
A protective service employee who acts under the general supervision of the Jail Administrator and is primarily responsible for dispatching law enforcement officers, fire departments, paramedics and ambulance personnel in response to emergency calls; admits, cares for and discharges prisoners; maintains county jail facilities; and performs related work as required.
 
Distinguishing Characteristics
The jailer/dispatcher performs a majority of the work independently but in accordance with DOC and County standards and procedures. This position requires excellent judgment and listening skills in interpreting all non-emergency or emergency calls; and excellent skill in the tactful and safe handling of prisoners. The Houston County Jail may house male and female adult and juvenile populations.  *Employees in this position are subject to a criminal history background check, whereby certain convictions may be a bar from continued employment.

Dispatch Dispatch deputies, city police, fire departments, paramedics and ambulances in response to emergency and non-emergency calls throughout the County, including cities.  The dispatcher interprets/prioritizes all calls and dispatches the appropriate personnel.	40%
Provides motor vehicle registration information, driver’s license status, criminal histories, warrants, etc., to sheriff’s deputies, other local law enforcement personnel, court administration, license center personnel and insurance companies. Also provides public service information such as weather/road conditions.	5%
Prepare Initial Complaint Report (ICR) on any complaints made including auto accidents, dog bites, bad checks, bank alarms, runaway juveniles, individuals taken to detox centers, etc.	5%
Enter criminal investigation information, warrants etc., into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS-State of Minnesota), transmit inter and intra-state messages according to FBI/NCIC regulations.	5%
Jail Duties Book prisoners by following established procedures, fingerprint, record statements with video equipment, collect personal possessions, take personal/medical history, assign cell, distribute bedding/personal hygiene supplies; administer medication to prisoners as prescribed by physicians; conduct blood alcohol content tests on persons suspected of alcohol abuse; respond to emergency situations in the jail such as fights, sick prisoners and withdrawal symptoms, determine course of action needed to correct the problem; prepare discharge documents, return personal items and clothing to inmates upon discharge.	35%
Inform “Person in Charge” or supervisor(s) on jail and prisoner conditions, incidents or activities pertaining to security and well-being of inmates.	5%
Serve meals to prisoners, launder linen, towels and clothing.	5%

Notice: DOC rules and guidelines require a female jailer within the secure perimeter at all times females are incarcerated.  DOC Guidelines further provide that body searches be performed by persons of the same sex.
 
This description describes the general list of responsibilities and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position and classification and are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work performed. This position description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.Employment Standards
Required Age, Education and Essential Experience:

• DETENTION STAFF MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AT TIME OF EMPLOYMENT (Persons older than 18, but younger than 21 years old, may be employed if they are enrolled in, or have completed, course work in a post-secondary education program to pursue a degree in a behavioral science.)

• one year vocational training in corrections 
• one year experience performing jail and/or dispatch duties 

-OR- 

• High School diploma and comparable work experience in corrections, emergency dispatching, law enforcement, and/or other related fields

 
In addition to strong technical expertise, the person in this position must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Demonstrated record of working in a team environment.  
• Demonstrated evidence of ability to communicate effectively and calmly in emergency situations; assess and react accordingly in emergency situations; ability to type proficiently while answering E-911 calls 
• Strong analytical skills, including a thorough knowledge of enhanced E-911 procedures; computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems; personal computer systems; law enforcement procedures, dispatching language and use of radios and transmitters; geography of the area including knowledge of all area highways/roads, cities and subdivisions and related map information.
• The ability to work independently and effectively with law enforcement personnel, other agencies, staff and the public.  Must be detail orientated, good listening skills and able to efficiently and accurately perform dispatcher/jailer duties during emergencies.

Post Employment

• Comprehensive knowledge of Minnesota DOC rules and guidelines
• Ability to gain and maintain CPR/First Aid certification. 

Persons with Disabilities
The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.

• Must possess the physical strength or ability necessary to control or restrain inmates if the need arises;
• Must submit to and pass a tuberculosis test prior to employment.
• Adverse working conditions: jail staff are frequently exposed to unclean, ill, obnoxious, intoxicated persons and contagious diseases. There is the continuous potential of physical harm when working with inmates.

In compliance w/ the Americans with Disabilities Act the following represents the Physical/ Environmental Demands

FUNCTION	N/A	<25%	25% - 49%	50% - 74%	>74%
Office Environment			X
Sitting			X
Standing, Walking				X
Hand Dexterity -Simultaneous/ Repetitive Hand Movements					X
Typing/Data Entry		X
Close Vision (Near Acuity)			X
Distance Vision (Far Acuity)	X
Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)	X
Accommodation (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)			X
Hearing/Speech					X
Sedentary (Exert up to 10 pounds of force)					X
Light (Exert up to 20 pounds of force)					X
Lifting, carrying or pushing of objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds			X
Lifting, carrying or pushing of objects up to fifty (50) pounds			X
Lifting or pushing of objects over fifty (50) pounds			X
Adverse movements such as overhead, bending, reaching				X

 
 
NOTICE
 
Status:                        Non-exempt
Job Category:            Protective Service
Band:                          B23
Labor Group:             LELS Local #60
Last Reviewed:          04.2024

TO APPLY:  submit your online application to Houston County by clicking the green "APPLY" button on this page.  Please attach a cover letter and copies of any applicable certifications to your application file.  

If special accommodations are needed to complete this application for employment, please contact the Houston County Personnel Department at 507.725.5822.

Salary : $48,235 - $63,461